Winter preparedness in Kashmir is traditionally all about the hassle free transport services on Jammu-Srinagar highway the only surface link connecting Kashmir with winter capital Jammu and rest of the country mostly used during mid chilly season of winter for transportation of essential commodities to Kashmir from different parts of the country. Though completion of the most of the under construction parts of Ramban-Banihal track known for their vulnerability to frequent traffic blockades during chilly months of winter has generated hopes of hassle free transport services on Jammu-Srinagar highway this winter but construction of some of the parts of this most vulnerable track of Jammu-Srinagar highway is yet to be completed and as such snow clearance and transportation of essential commodities would be as bigger a challenge for the Government as it used to be not only in recent years but for decades together . So for the Government this year also the implementation of winter action plans would be as bigger a challenge as it used to be in recent years. Administrative wisdom demands that Government reviews it’s winter action plans before any major snowfall disrupts continuity in supply of essential commodities to Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir valley. Never forget that besides hassle free transportation of essential commodities from different parts of the country to Srinagar other parts of Kashmir the hassle free power supply to people during winters is another big challenge for the Kashmir’s divisional administration. As Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) has already enforced longer duration power cuts in both metered and non metered areas of Kashmir valley, any extension in the power cut periods won’t be affordable for the consumers and advisable for Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) in mid winter months this year.
“Experiences have shown that blaming either the authorities “Border Roads Organisation” (BRO) or the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) for their failures and punishing them for the lapses in the hours of crisis don’t bring respite to people. It is the implementation of winter actions which matters the most. Lapses won’t put people to hardships during mid winter months if winter action plans are enforced in advance and reviewed fortnightly during mid winter months with a strong vigil over their implementation from the top”
Winter action plans for the both the hassle free transportation of essential commodities to Kashmir and as well as the enforcement of power curtailment schedule deserve immediate attention and intervention of the Government. Experiences have shown that blaming either the authorities “Border Roads Organisation” (BRO) or the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (KPDCL) for their failures and punishing them for the lapses in the hours of crisis don’t bring respite to people. It is the implementation of winter actions which matters the most. Lapses won’t put people to hardships during mid winter months if winter action plans are enforced in advance and reviewed fortnightly during mid winter months with a strong vigil over their implementation from the top.
